Getting on your bike and taking it for a spin, whether that’s to run some errands or on a cross-country haul, involves gearing up first. And, while most people think of motorcycle gear and instantly conjure up images of leather jackets and stoic boots, those aren’t the only pieces of gear you’ve got to have — you also need a solid pair of gloves.
Gloves are what help keep your hands protected from the elements, prevent debris on the road from causing injury, and, let’s be honest, just look cool. Of course, with that said, there are tons of different types of gloves that you can choose from for your ride. One of those types of gloves is deerskin gloves.
In this guide, I’ll break down what you need to know about deerskin gloves and how to choose them. Plus, I’ll go over some ways to keep your deerskin gloves in great condition.
What is Deerskin and How is it Made?
Before we launch into talking about which deerskin gloves you might want to invest in and how to care for them, let’s take a second to talk about what deerskin actually is.
Simply put, deerskin is the soft, premium leather that is derived from the hide of a deer. Deerskin is characterized by its soft texture and hardy nature, deerskin has long been a material of choice in various cultures, particularly among Native Americans, who have utilized and valued this material for centuries.
The beauty of deerskin lies in its delicate balance of softness and strength. It is this very balance that allows deerskin to be turned into a range of products, from clothing to shoes and, of course, some of the finest quality gloves.
Whether you’re a trailblazing outdoorsman, a hard-working gardener, or simply someone who appreciates a fine sartorial accessory, deerskin gloves are sure to be a remarkably comfortable and durable companion.
A Breakdown of the Tanning Process
To create the deerskin utilized in gloves, you first start with the rawhide from the deer. This hide then undergoes a meticulous process known as tanning, which helps to transform it from a raw, perishable hide into durable, long-lasting leather. Tanning is essentially a means of permanently altering the protein structure of the skin to make it resistant to decay.
The tanning process starts with the hide being thoroughly cleaned and prepped, removing any remaining fur and scraping away the flesh side to ensure a clean, smooth surface. Once cleaned, the hide is soaked in a tanning solution, often a mixture containing tannin, which is derived from tree bark and other plant materials.
After soaking for a set period, the hide is removed, rinsed, and then rehydrated with oils to keep it supple and soft. This process could take anywhere from one to several weeks, depending on factors such as the thickness of the hide and the specific tanning solution used.
Post-tanning, the leather is then inspected for quality and any minor defects that might have occurred during the tanning process. High-quality leathers such as deerskin are often further processed through a method called “currying,” where the hide is stretched, coated with additional oils, and buffed to a nice sheen. By now, our once raw deer hide has been transformed into soft, luxurious deerskin leather, ready to be crafted into gloves.
Types of Gloves Made from Deerskin
We’ve already talked about how deerskin gloves can be great for riding. However, that’s not actually the only use they have.
Besides just serving as motorcycle gear, there are a couple of other uses for these types of gloves. Let’s check out a couple of other kinds of deerskin gloves out there.
Driving Gloves
Perfect for keeping a firm grip on the wheel, deerskin driving gloves are famous for their softness and pliability. They’re not only infamous for making a driver look stylish but also for providing the utmost comfort while driving. A good pair of driving gloves could be Olympia 140 Men’s Deerskin gloves.
Work Gloves
When you need something a little tougher for more practical tasks, deerskin work gloves are the way to go. Ideal for carpenters, farmers, and other labor-intensive occupations, these gloves combine the comfort of deerskin with the practicality of a work glove.
Motorcycle Gloves
Deerskin is a popular choice of material for motorcycle gloves due to its combination of toughness and flexibility. These kinds of gloves often have additional padding or reinforced areas for protection while maintaining the skin’s smooth and tactile nature.
An example of these types of gloves includes Olympia’s 146 Men’s Lined Deerskin Classic Gloves (although you can get them in unlined versions as well).
Gardening Gloves
Those of us green-thumbed folks appreciate a good, sturdy pair of gardening gloves – and deerskin makes for a great choice. The softness and flexibility of this material allow for the dexterity needed for detailed tasks, yet its durability ensures it can withstand a little digging in the dirt.
Comparing the Cost: Deerskin Gloves vs. Other Leather Gloves
I know all too well the dilemma of wanting quality but also being mindful of cost. In the realm of gloves, especially leather ones, prices can vary greatly.
That’s because the cost of gloves depends mainly on the type of leather, the manufacturing process, and the brand. The variety in price mainly comes down to the specific characteristics of the different leathers used. Goose, sheep, and cow leathers might be less expensive, but they don’t necessarily offer the same fit, grip, and flexibility that deerskin does.
Exotic leathers like peccary bring their rich tactile experience to the table, putting them on the higher end of the pricing scale. To help you get an idea of what deerskin gloves such as Olympia 144 Men’s Deerskin Classic gloves should cost you, let’s compare the cost of these types of gloves versus other types of leather gloves out there.
Average Cost of Deerskin Gloves
A decent pair of deerskin gloves, such as Olympia’s 142 Ragged Men’s Unlined Gloves, would fall in the price range of $40-$100. That being said, you can find both lower-price models and luxury gloves that go beyond this range. The quality, thickness, and craftsmanship of the leather used, as well as the brand name, affect the final pricing.
Average Cost of Other Leather Gloves
When we look at other types of leather gloves, the prices can be quite diverse. Good quality cowhide or goatskin gloves, for instance, can come with a price tag of anywhere from $30 to $80.
If we take a step up and look at exotic options like peccary leather gloves, which are renowned for their softness and warmth, prices can soar to upwards of $200.
Pros and Cons of Deerskin Gloves
Like with any product, deerskin gloves come with their own set of pros and cons.
Knowing the full picture is what will ultimately help you choose a pair of gloves that you’re comfortable with, whether that winds up being deerskin gloves or not.
Here are a couple of benefits and disadvantages of this type of glove.
Pros of Deerskin Gloves
First up, let’s start with the good points of deerskin gloves. This type of glove has quite a few perks, such as
- Softness: Deerskin gloves are incredibly supple, and this softness doesn’t fade over time but instead becomes even more enhanced, lending an increased level of comfort as the gloves age.
- Good fit: Because they are highly flexible, deerskin gloves provide an extraordinarily well-fitting glove that adapts to the contours of your hand.
- Durability: Despite their soft feel, these gloves can stand up to fairly harsh environments and also handle moisture better than most leathers, which means they won’t stiffen or crack after getting wet.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Deerskin has a unique grain and texture that provides a natural, rugged look, which is often valued for adding a rustic touch to outdoor attire.
These are a couple of the main reasons why people choose to buy deerskin gloves as opposed to other leather gloves.
Cons of Deerskin Gloves
Although there are certainly some great reasons to buy deerskin gloves, there are also a few disadvantages to be aware of. Some of the most prominent include:
- Higher cost: Being a high-grade leather, deerskin gloves tend to be more expensive than gloves made from other common materials like cowhide or synthetics.
- Maintenance: Unlike synthetic gloves, which can often be tossed in the washing machine, deerskin gloves require careful cleaning to maintain their softness and flexibility; they also cannot be exposed to harsh detergents or high heat.
- Not suited for wet conditions: While deerskin can absorb water without hardening, they’re not the best choice for water-related chores.
- Not suited for extreme conditions: While deerskin gloves might be suitable for casual or moderately harsh environments, deerskin gloves might not be the ideal choice for extreme conditions, such as temperatures that are excessively high or low.
Of course, the higher cost of these gloves can wind up being an investment since they tend to last a lot longer. And, although they may not be suited for extreme conditions, they still work well as everyday gloves.
Storage and Care for Deerskin Gloves
Taking proper care of your deerskin gloves is essential to maintain their longevity, comfort, and elegance. Let’s dive into appropriate storage solutions and care routines for your gloves.
Storing Deerskin Gloves
First up, we’ve got to have a chat about storage conditions for deerskin gloves. The storage of your gloves significantly affects their lifespan. Ideally, deerskin gloves should be
- Stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Laid flat or hung up to prevent folding or creasing that could strain the leather over time
One useful tip is to stuff them loosely with acid-free tissue paper when not in use. This helps maintain their shape and absorbs any residual moisture.
Pro tip: Never store your gloves in a sealed plastic bag. Leather needs to breathe, and a sealed environment can promote the growth of mold and mildew. Instead, consider using a breathable fabric bag for storage.
Cleaning and Maintenance
It’s vital to clean and condition your deerskin gloves periodically to ensure they stay in the best shape and last for years. When you feel your gloves are dirty or have lost their softness, that means it’s cleaning time.
Here’s how to clean your deerskin gloves:
- Gently clean the surface with a damp cloth.
- If more severe cleaning is needed, use a special leather cleaning product. Apply it on a soft cloth and lightly clean the glove’s surface, making sure to follow the product’s instructions.
- Allow them to air dry naturally, away from intense heat or sunlight.
- Reshape them lightly, pad them with a towel to absorb most of the water, and then let them dry at room temperature.
- When your gloves are clean and dry, it’s time to apply a leather conditioner to refresh the leather and restore its softness.
Remember, as you clean your gloves, you don’t want to over-saturate the gloves with any liquid. Excessive moisture can alter the shape and feel, leading them to become stiff.
Pro Tip: When drying your deerskin gloves, do not wring or twist them, and avoid using a hairdryer or heater for drying purposes as it may shrink the leather and crack.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deerskin Gloves
If you’ve still got a couple of lingering questions about deerskin gloves, you’re not the only one. Here are a few frequently asked questions about these snazzy pieces of clothing.
Q: “Can I wash my deerskin gloves?”
A: Yes, you can wash deerskin gloves. However, you must do so carefully to help maintain their quality. For the best results, use a mild laundry detergent and gently hand wash them. Never wring them when wet. Instead, reshape them and let them air dry.
Q2: “Are deerskin gloves good for winter?”
A: Absolutely! Deerskin gloves are excellent for winter use because of their superior insulation properties. They can keep your hands incredibly warm, even in the harshest weather conditions. However, they are not the best for wet conditions unless stated by the manufacturer.
Q: “What makes deerskin gloves unique compared to other leather gloves?”
A: Deerskin gloves are unique because they are supple and mold to your hands over time for a perfect fit, offering both comfort and dexterity. They are incredibly soft yet durable. Unlike other leathers, deerskin doesn’t stiffen or crack after getting wet, which makes it more long-lasting if well-cared for.
Q: “Will deerskin gloves stretch over time?”
A: Yes, one of the beautiful traits of deerskin gloves is their ability to stretch and conform to the shape of your hands over time, improving comfort and fit. However, keep in mind that while the gloves will mold to your hands, they shouldn’t be too small when you initially purchase them.
Snag Your Next Pair of Deerskin Gloves
Deerskin gloves stand out for their incredible softness, comfort, and resilience, providing a snug, skin-like feel that’s hard to match.
While it’s true that deerskin gloves can be a bit of an investment, they’re one you won’t regret. Not only do these gloves look and feel great, but they’re also long-lasting and durable. Plus, they’re pretty easy to clean and maintain once you get into the swing of it.
If you’re interested in grabbing a pair of these gloves yourself, check out our deerskin glove collection and browse our various options. And, if you’re not quite ready to buy? No stress! Sign up for our newsletter and get exclusive, subscribers-only discounts so that when you are ready to purchase, you don’t have to pay full price.
